It might be too late by then. I really see DLO, Clarkson and Ingram coming into their own.... If you already have AS level players at a position, no need to trade for one.

Honestly, I was a afraid we'd overpay to trade for Westbrook. That fear is gone. Now I hope we don't overpay for Cousins lol._________________"He may say it's not you, it's him.... but it's really you."

If Clarkson still hasn't worked on his defense by 2018-2019 it wouldn't shock me for them to go after Westbrook to replace him. It's ultimately in Clarkson's hands at this point. But unless he becomes a lockdown defender or at least a decent defender within the next 2 seasons I Don't see them valuing him as a starter OVER Westbrook.

And as far as Cousins goes, Cousins as a piece that takes you over the top? Yes. Cousins as your only piece and face of the franchise you're building around? No. And if we landed Cousins in free agency, the role he'd get would likely wind up being the first.

He'd likely be sold on the idea that he's coming in as the 2nd choice, but he'd be essentially the piece putting us over the top. Adding Westbrook to that would pretty much seal that the Lakers will go on a run at least for the next 3-4 years and at that point it's up to when Russell, Ingram and Randle truly come into their owns.

IF the Lakers can make themselves a playoff team looking on the rise within the next 2 seasons they have a chance to sign them both.

However it also depends what Westbrook has left in the tank at 30 after the next 2 seasons of carrying OKC. He may not BE the Westbrook he is now.

On the other hand, that works in our favor as the talent of Russell, Ingram, Randle and Clarkson potentially as a 6th may, we could REALLY sell lightening the load on his shoulders and thus helping him be more efficient. Add Cousins to the mix and we know we SHOULD contend for a championship or at least prime ourselves to be in position to knock Golden State off.

Just depends on what WE Make ourselves in the next 2 seasons, and we MUST Be a playoff team that looks on the rise if we want a chance at either of them, or we won't get another sitdown, again.

Note: Playing the advocate for that scenario, but thats essentially what would have to happen.

And no, Zubac likely isn't a primary starting center by his 3rd year. It takes most bigs 4-6 seasons before they really start turning the corner. Unless they are 'special'.

Marc Gasol didn't come into the league until he was around 23.. and still then only averaged 11 and 7 boards. the very next year, he played really well averaging 14 and 9. but that was as a 24 year old with a ton of international experience.

Earlier Wednesday, Wojnarowski reported the two sides were nearing an agreement on a three-year, $85 million contract renegotiation that will pay the point guard $26.5 million next season and $28.5 million during the 2017-18 campaign. Both Shelburne and Wojnarowski reported the third year will serve as a player option.

According to Wojnarowski, Westbrook could earn $30.6 million in 2018-19 if he doesn't opt out of his deal and test the open market.

This is actually a very wise business decision for Westbrook. This is not a long-term extension. It's a player option for 2018-19. In exchange for a guaranteeing Thunder one more year they gave him 67 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money for the price of just one more year. If anything ironically this actually increases the Lakers chance of getting him because in two years perhaps the kids will have developed.

This is actually a very wise business decision for Westbrook. This is not a long-term extension. It's a player option for 2018-19. In exchange for a guaranteeing Thunder one more year they gave him 67 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money for the price of just one more year. If anything ironically this actually increases the Lakers chance of getting him because in two years perhaps the kids will have developed.

True. But it also puts him in a group with guys like Boogie/George, who I actually would like better on the Lakers at that point._________________RIP LM

This is actually a very wise business decision for Westbrook. This is not a long-term extension. It's a player option for 2018-19. In exchange for a guaranteeing Thunder one more year they gave him 67 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money for the price of just one more year. If anything ironically this actually increases the Lakers chance of getting him because in two years perhaps the kids will have developed.

True. But it also puts him in a group with guys like Boogie/George, who I actually would like better on the Lakers at that point.

Good point. 67 million Dollar insurance policy heaven forbid he gets injured, can get a new Supermax contract in 2018 for being 10 years in the league, give the Lakers two years to develop the kids, and be in a free-agent class with George and Boogie for the price of committing one more year in OKC. Great deal for Westbrook.

This is actually a very wise business decision for Westbrook. This is not a long-term extension. It's a player option for 2018-19. In exchange for a guaranteeing Thunder one more year they gave him 67 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money for the price of just one more year. If anything ironically this actually increases the Lakers chance of getting him because in two years perhaps the kids will have developed.

True. But it also puts him in a group with guys like Boogie/George, who I actually would like better on the Lakers at that point.

Good point. 67 million Dollar insurance policy heaven forbid he gets injured, can get a new Supermax contract in 2018 for being 10 years in the league, give the Lakers two years to develop the kids, and be in a free-agent class with George and Boogie for the price of committing one more year in OKC. Great deal for Westbrook.

WB for me is like the prized running back who has a finite amount of carries in his body before it declines steeply.

By 2018 (and at that Tier 3, 10+ year service price), I'm looking at a cheaper Paul George or Boogie. It's not inconceivable by that time DLO/Ingram will look like borderline all stars. I think George or Boogie fits in better at that point._________________RIP LM

This is actually a very wise business decision for Westbrook. This is not a long-term extension. It's a player option for 2018-19. In exchange for a guaranteeing Thunder one more year they gave him 67 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money for the price of just one more year. If anything ironically this actually increases the Lakers chance of getting him because in two years perhaps the kids will have developed.

True. But it also puts him in a group with guys like Boogie/George, who I actually would like better on the Lakers at that point.

Good point. 67 million Dollar insurance policy heaven forbid he gets injured, can get a new Supermax contract in 2018 for being 10 years in the league, give the Lakers two years to develop the kids, and be in a free-agent class with George and Boogie for the price of committing one more year in OKC. Great deal for Westbrook.

WB for me is like the prized running back who has a finite amount of carries in his body before it declines steeply.

By 2018 (and at that Tier 3, 10+ year service price), I'm looking at a cheaper Paul George or Boogie. It's not inconceivable by that time DLO/Ingram will look like borderline all stars. I think George or Boogie fits in better at that point.

Westbrook is an athletic freak the likes of which we have not seen. It is a logical concerned that he will hit the wall at some point and decline rapidly. I don't have his medical chart but he shows no signs of that and he did have three knee surgeries. Even though it was just a meniscal injury and not something worse like a multi ligament problem I expected there to be some signs of decline after three operations but I see none at this point. Perhaps he is just one of those rare athletes who is athleticism remains for a long time.

This is actually a very wise business decision for Westbrook. This is not a long-term extension. It's a player option for 2018-19. In exchange for a guaranteeing Thunder one more year they gave him 67 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money for the price of just one more year. If anything ironically this actually increases the Lakers chance of getting him because in two years perhaps the kids will have developed.

True. But it also puts him in a group with guys like Boogie/George, who I actually would like better on the Lakers at that point.

Good point. 67 million Dollar insurance policy heaven forbid he gets injured, can get a new Supermax contract in 2018 for being 10 years in the league, give the Lakers two years to develop the kids, and be in a free-agent class with George and Boogie for the price of committing one more year in OKC. Great deal for Westbrook.

WB for me is like the prized running back who has a finite amount of carries in his body before it declines steeply.

By 2018 (and at that Tier 3, 10+ year service price), I'm looking at a cheaper Paul George or Boogie. It's not inconceivable by that time DLO/Ingram will look like borderline all stars. I think George or Boogie fits in better at that point.

Westbrook is an athletic freak the likes of which we have not seen. It is a logical concerned that he will hit the wall at some point and decline rapidly. I don't have his medical chart but he shows no signs of that and he did have three knee surgeries. Even though it was just a meniscal injury and not something worse like a multi ligament problem I expected there to be some signs of decline after three operations but I see none at this point. Perhaps he is just one of those rare athletes who is athleticism remains for a long time.

I can't think of many 6'2, 6'3 guys who had such an explosive athletic game as a guard aging well. He's like a mini Lebron, except he doesn't have the 6'9, 260 pound frame when his athleticism wanes.

I actually enjoy clarity and it's nice to now be able to focus on our young guys and perhaps instead of chasing max guys in 2017, use that cap space wisely._________________RIP LM

And by no means am I trying to denigrate WB. He's spectacular. But he's not a Laker, and it seems our paths will never cross. So best of luck to him as our boys try to take him down._________________RIP LM

Omgoodness we're being forced to build our team the old fashion way. We, at least I, have been accustomed to "BREAKING NEWS the Lakers have acquired"...stuff.

I've been spoiled so much, but it's definitely easier to trust the process with the kids (particularly Russell, Ingram, Zubac & Nance Jr, everyone else might be moved for better fitting pieces) we now have in tow.

A big man like Zubac, who was not expected to be there so late, and is so damn skilled already, is one of the main reasons I am truly optimistic about our future with or without the current Alphas.

This is actually a very wise business decision for Westbrook. This is not a long-term extension. It's a player option for 2018-19. In exchange for a guaranteeing Thunder one more year they gave him 67 million guaranteed. That's a ton of money for the price of just one more year. If anything ironically this actually increases the Lakers chance of getting him because in two years perhaps the kids will have developed.

True. But it also puts him in a group with guys like Boogie/George, who I actually would like better on the Lakers at that point.

Good point. 67 million Dollar insurance policy heaven forbid he gets injured, can get a new Supermax contract in 2018 for being 10 years in the league, give the Lakers two years to develop the kids, and be in a free-agent class with George and Boogie for the price of committing one more year in OKC. Great deal for Westbrook.

WB for me is like the prized running back who has a finite amount of carries in his body before it declines steeply.

By 2018 (and at that Tier 3, 10+ year service price), I'm looking at a cheaper Paul George or Boogie. It's not inconceivable by that time DLO/Ingram will look like borderline all stars. I think George or Boogie fits in better at that point.

Westbrook is an athletic freak the likes of which we have not seen. It is a logical concerned that he will hit the wall at some point and decline rapidly. I don't have his medical chart but he shows no signs of that and he did have three knee surgeries. Even though it was just a meniscal injury and not something worse like a multi ligament problem I expected there to be some signs of decline after three operations but I see none at this point. Perhaps he is just one of those rare athletes who is athleticism remains for a long time.

I can't think of many 6'2, 6'3 guys who had such an explosive athletic game as a guard aging well. He's like a mini Lebron, except he doesn't have the 6'9, 260 pound frame when his athleticism wanes.

I actually enjoy clarity and it's nice to now be able to focus on our young guys and perhaps instead of chasing max guys in 2017, use that cap space wisely.

Westy's always made me think he's the modern version of Fat Lever, Gus Williams and Lucius Allen. Explosive in terms of strength, in terms of speed, decent jumper, and someone who gets off the floor quickly with unusual height. What distinguished Westbrook - to me - is his having such unusual length for his height. Makes him a devastating driver of the ball.